Lester E. Witherite, 86, of Bellefonte, died Friday, January 11, 2008 at Centre Crest Nursing Center. Born on May 31, 1921, he is the son of the late Joseph and Annie (Fetzer) Witherite. On March 4, 1943, he was married to Sarah K. Addleman, who preceded him in death on July 5, 2004.
Mr. Witherite worked at Bald Eagle Area High School for one year, and went to Penn State University, working in the Maintenance department serving 20 years, retiring in 1987. He was also a self-employed farmer, retiring from farming in 1990.
He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in World War II from 1942 to 1945. He was awarded the Middle Eastern Ribbon with three bronze stars and two overseas service bars. He was a POW from 1944 to 1945.
He attended Fleming Free Methodist Church.
Surviving are two sons, Edward L. of Mill Hall and Joseph C. of Julian; three daughters, Edith Lee and Jean Turner of Julian and Judith Patishnock of Maryland; two sisters, Bessie Fisher of Howard and Marion Barger of Port Matilda; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 15, 2008 from Noon until 2:00 PM at the Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services P.C., 1034 Benner Pike, State College. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home beginning at 2:00 PM on Tuesday with the Reverend William J. Hargenrader. Internment will be at the Centre County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Fleming Free Methodist Church, 150 Chestnut St., P.O. Box 140, Fleming, PA 16835.
A guestbook can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com